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Gene Wolfe

Soldier of the Mist (Latro #1)

Soldier of the Mist, the first book in Gene Wolfe's Latro series, is a unique and captivating work of historical fantasy. The story is set in the ancient world, shortly after the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, and follows the journey of Latro, an amnesiac mercenary soldier who fights for the Greeks against the Persians. Latro's amnesia is the result of a head injury sustained during the battle, and as a consequence, he is unable to form new memories that last more than a day. To cope with this affliction, he keeps a record of his experiences by carving notches on his spear and by inscribing clay tablets with the help of a local scribe. These tablets, which form the narrative of the novel, provide a first-person account of Latro's adventures as he travels through Greece, Thrace, and Asia Minor. Wolfe's prose is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the ancient world. The author's attention to historical detail is impressive, and he skillfully weaves real historical figures and events into the narrative, creating a vivid and convincing portrayal of the ancient world. One of the most intriguing aspects of Soldier of the Mist is the way it explores the relationship between memory, identity, and storytelling. Latro's amnesia forces him to constantly redefine himself and his place in the world, and his reliance on storytelling as a means of preserving his identity is a powerful and poignant theme that runs throughout the novel. In addition to its historical and thematic depth, Soldier of the Mist is also a thrilling adventure story, filled with battles, chases, and narrow escapes. The novel's pacing is expertly managed, with each day's events unfolding in a tense and gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged and invested in Latro's journey. Overall, Soldier of the Mist is a masterful work of historical fantasy that combines vivid world-building, compelling characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of memory and identity. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, as well as for anyone interested in the ancient world or the power of storytelling...